November 17, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes)

The Brick Chronicles: A Knowledge Gap Blows Up a Big Deal

Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, reviewed the quarterly report. She saw an urgent email from Tom Jenkins, the Environmental Impact Manager.

Subject: Major Project Setback—Need Help

Tom walked in with a frown. “Sarah, we’ve got a mess. The Texas team missed critical requirements on a big project, and now we’re scrambling. It’s all because no one knew about these protocols except for our older staff.”

Sarah said, thinking. “Who can tackle this?” “Robert,” Tom replied. “He’s HR, but he’s also great at rooting out these gaps. He’ll know what to do.”

Enter Robert: HR’s Knowledge Detective

Robert took a deep dive into the Texas project. He quickly uncovered the problem: the Texas team had no idea about some of the long-standing protocols—it was “old guard” knowledge that nobody had written down. Critical steps had slipped through the cracks, costing Baxter’s time and money.

Gathering a group of long-time employees and fresh hires, Robert laid it out. “We need to understand why knowledge isn’t being shared. Let’s fix it before it bites us again.”

Kelly, a veteran engineer, crossed her arms. “I’ve been here 15 years. Every time we bring in new folks, I’m stuck reteaching the basics because no one has it written down. I don’t have time to be everyone’s teacher.”

Taylor, a new project manager, jumped in. “I just end up winging it half the time. It’s like everyone assumes I’m psychic.”

Robert nodded, taking mental notes. “Sounds like we’re missing a system. Okay, here’s what we’re going to do.”

Robert’s Fix-It Plan

1. Create a Knowledge Repository: “Think of it as Baxter’s Bricks’ Google. We’ll log all key processes and protocols, so no one’s left guessing.”

2. On-boarding Overhaul: “HR will develop a new training module, so new hires know what’s going on by week one.”

3. Quarterly Knowledge Swaps: “We’ll do quarterly ‘show and tell’ sessions where everyone shares updates. No more mysterious unwritten rules.”

4. Knowledge Champions: “Each team will have a go-to person to keep our ‘tribal knowledge’ library current. They’ll make sure everyone has what they need.”

Leadership in Action

Robert shared the plan with Tom. “The repository’s up, the on-boarding module is ready, and the first knowledge session is scheduled for next week.”

Tom looked relieved. “Great job, Robert. Keep Sarah in the loop.”

From a distance, Sarah watched the process unfold, ready to step in if Robert needed her to knock down any barriers or provided guidance. But she’d picked the right person, and he was nailing it.

Turning It Around

With the new knowledge-sharing system in place, the Texas team was back on track. The digital repository became an instant hit—employees found answers fast, and the Knowledge Champions helped keep things organized. In the first session, Kelly even shared a clever trick she’d learned for streamlining environmental checks, surprising the newer hires.

Robert’s overhaul turned what could have been a catastrophe into a success story. New hires felt more confident, veterans were less frustrated, and costly mistakes were averted.

The Lesson

During their leadership check-in, Tom reported back to Sarah. “Looks like we dodged a bullet.Robert’s system is running smoothly. No more knowledge gaps.”

Sarah smiled. “Exactly. That’s why I trust my leaders to take the wheel. I just step in if they need a hand.”

Tom raised his coffee cup. “And I guess our new ‘Baxter’s Bricks Bible’ doesn’t hurt, either.”

Key Takeaways

By empowering Robert, Baxter’s Bricks tackled a critical knowledge-sharing issue, while Sarah, as CEO, monitored progress from a distance. The new system—structured on-boarding, a digital repository, and regular knowledge sessions—saved the day.

Leadership is about trusting your people and setting them up to succeed.

“Knowledge is power, but only when shared.“

-Peter Drucker

Lead from your heart. Lead to Win.

Take Action

Mike’s Leadership Forum

• Do you have a comment or question to make on today’s blog?
• Do you have a leadership issue you would like us to process in a future blog?
• Do you need a speaker for an upcoming leadership event?
• Click CONTACT for comments.